Open Thread: The Role of Mormon Wards in Employment and Business Networking
(Note: The “Big Changes” I promised are still coming, but I had to get this post off my To-do list first. This was supposed to be a guest post last week, but I ran out of time and energy. Writing an open thread to a small audience is a recipe for lameness and non-commenting, (especially in light of GIGANTE, but I wanted to post it anyway for my own sake.)
During the past several Ward Council meetings I’ve attended (WC is a monthly meeting for leaders of the various organizations in LDS wards), much attention has been given to the impact the struggling economy is having on the members of our ward, and consequently, on the ability of the welfare program and other Church special ops to lend a helping hand. This past Sunday, the topic of providing networking opportunities for ward members came up, and while very little was decided upon, I was left pondering the topic for hours afterward. The question is simple:
What is the role of the Ward “Family” in employment and business networking?
I emphasize “Family” because I’m speaking about individual members of the ward, not those people who are called as Employment Specialists in a given ward. In my experience, networking in the LDS Church should be very easy because of the rapid information flow that Mormons thrive on. However, in practice, two related problems impede it from reaching nearly as meaningful of a role as it might otherwise play:
1. No one wants to be seen as peddling their product in Church. We all know that there is enough falseness in society, and no one wants to be seen as manipulative or otherwise sales-oriented in their fellowshipping gestures. My DW and I talk about this frequently, as she is a photographer and is often asked to take pictures–family shots, weddings, babies–for people in the ward. While her reputation as a photographer has grown and she is well known in the ward for it, she is nevertheless very hesitant to advertise herself in any way because of the perception that she is selling something in Church.
2. No one wants a handout/No one wants to obligate other members to help them. Because members of the ward are often socially, spiritually, and emotionally connected to each other, there is often a strong sense of unity and a desire to help each other out. However, this leads to concerns that members with strong networks or employment influence will feel obligated to give less-than-meritorious/qualified petitioners help on the job market.
My own observations:
-In my experience, networking in the LDS Church should be very easy because of the rapid information flow that Mormons thrive on. However, in practice, two related problems impede it from reaching nearly as meaningful of a role as it might otherwise play:
1. No one wants to be seen as peddling their product in Church. We all know that there is enough falseness in society, and no one wants to be seen as manipulative or otherwise sales-oriented in their fellowshipping gestures. My DW and I talk about this frequently, as she is a photographer and is often asked to take pictures–family shots, weddings, babies–for people in the ward. While her reputation as a photographer has grown and she is well known in the ward for it, she is nevertheless very hesitant to advertise herself in any way because of the perception that she is selling something in Church.
2. No one wants a handout/No one wants to obligate other members to help them. Because members of the ward are often socially, spiritually, and emotionally connected to each other, there is often a strong sense of unity and a desire to help each other out. However, this leads to concerns that members with strong networks or employment influence will feel obligated to give less-than-meritorious/qualified petitioners help on the job market.
Scott, when I was looking for work last fall, the ward mission leader said he’d heard about that, and he offered to pay me to help him with some labor he needed to do on his house. It was a good time for him because his union was striking.
It was a small gesture, but it meant a lot, and it’s an example of one way the ward family can help.
Ben,
Thanks for the comment. I think that such gestures do mean a lot–especially when they include a dignified way of “earning” the help, as you mention.
Two years ago when I was out of a job, several people in the ward who knew of our situation hired my wife to shoot photos for them. I don’t think we’ll ever know if it was “just because” we were in need, or if they really needed pictures, but I know that my wife and I really appreciated the opportunity to accept help in the form of work.
In working with members of the church, I have identified 3 beliefs influencing members’ reluctance to talk with others. These beliefs are widely accepted as gospel truth and never openly discussed at church.
1) Unemployed = something is Wrong with the Individual
There has been a fundamental shift in the relationship between companies & employees. The idea of long term "company loyalty" is non-existent. The latest numbers from the US Department of Labor show that among all adult workers (18-64) the average worker changes jobs every 2 years, companies every 3 years & industries every 4 years. The older the worker the less change, the younger the work the more change. But those are still averages!
2) Self Reliance = Isolation
The most effective job search methods are networking & direct employer contact. 75-85% of jobs are never advertized so a job seeker cannot be effective in their search if they isolate themselves. The main reason a member becomes isolated is directly related to the next belief.
3) Nobody wants to be the topic of a "welfare" meeting at church! (Especially leaders)
A leader or employment specialist could help members realize the self limiting nature of these misguided beliefs. Larry Green, my manager, encourages leaders to have one or two members “introduce” themselves in weekly church meetings. The catch is that they have to start their introduction with “FOR NOW I am or do…” with the implication that changes in ones work is inevitable.
What are your thoughts?
The following are some groups on Facebook & LinkedIn for LDS Stake and Ward Employment Specialists.
http://groups.to/lds.employment.specialists/
http://www.linkedin.com/groups?home=&gid=1757287&trk=anet_ug_hm
LDS Stake and Ward Employment Specialists that desire to share experiences, ideas, knowledge, and stories about Employment and how they can magnify their callings.
Richard Pedersen
Associate Manager, LDS Employment, Portland, OR
Richard, great to see you’re actively seeking how to be more effective. It would have been wonderful if you, as family, had actually responded to the letter I sent you. I wonder why you, personally, are so RELUCTANT to talk with others?
Jesse Archer